Question

"Foreign policy is mainly based on present political leadership." Review this statement on the basis of Indian foreign policy.

Hint:

For such analytical "review" or "discuss" questions, a balanced approach is best. Use the "change vs. continuity" framework. Illustrate 'change' with examples of specific Prime Ministers and their unique initiatives. Illustrate 'continuity' with enduring principles like national interest and strategic autonomy.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires a critical review of the statement that a country's foreign policy is primarily determined by its current leader. The answer should be based on the experience of Indian foreign policy, analyzing the extent to which individual leaders have shaped it, while also considering the elements of continuity that persist despite changes in leadership.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The statement that foreign policy is mainly based on present political leadership is only partially true. While leadership provides direction and style, a country's foreign policy is also deeply rooted in its national interests, historical experiences, and institutional frameworks, which ensure broad continuity.
Argument FOR the Statement (Role of Leadership):
The vision and personality of the political leader at the helm have a significant impact on foreign policy. Different Prime Ministers have left their distinct imprints on India's engagement with the world.
1. Jawaharlal Nehru: As India's first Prime Minister, he was the chief architect of India's post-independence foreign policy. His personal commitment to anti-colonialism and world peace led to the formulation of the policy of Non-Alignment, which became the cornerstone of India's foreign policy for decades.
2. Indira Gandhi: Her leadership style was more pragmatic and assertive. Her decision to sign the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1971 and her decisive handling of the Bangladesh Liberation War were major shifts driven by her assessment of the geopolitical situation, tilting India's non-aligned posture towards the Soviet Union.
3. Atal Bihari Vajpayee: He initiated bold moves, such as the nuclear tests in 1998, which fundamentally altered India's status as a nuclear power, and the Lahore bus diplomacy with Pakistan, showcasing his personal initiative for peace.
4. Narendra Modi: His tenure has been marked by a highly energetic and personalized style of diplomacy, with a focus on strengthening ties with major powers ('multi-alignment'), a 'Neighbourhood First' policy, and promoting India as a 'leading power'. His leadership has brought a new dynamism and assertiveness to foreign policy.
Argument AGAINST the Statement (Elements of Continuity):
Despite the influence of individual leaders, Indian foreign policy has shown remarkable continuity due to certain underlying factors.
1. Core National Interests: Regardless of who is in power, India's core national interests—protecting its territorial integrity, ensuring national security, and promoting economic development—remain constant. All leaders must work towards these goals.
2. Constitutional Principles: Article 51 of the Constitution (Directive Principles) calls for the promotion of international peace and security, providing a guiding framework for any government.
3. Institutional Framework: The Ministry of External Affairs and the professional diplomatic corps provide institutional memory and continuity. They ensure that policy is not just based on the whims of a leader but on long-term strategic considerations.
4. Broad National Consensus: There is a broad political consensus in India on key foreign policy issues, such as the importance of strategic autonomy (the modern version of non-alignment), maintaining friendly relations with most countries, and the stand on Kashmir and terrorism.
Step 3: Final Answer (Review):
In reviewing the statement, it is clear that while present political leadership provides the direction, style, and impetus for significant shifts, it is not the sole determinant of foreign policy. In the Indian context, leaders like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Modi have certainly shaped policy in their image. However, the policy is equally anchored by the continuity of core national interests, constitutional values, and a broad national consensus. Therefore, foreign policy is a dynamic interplay between the leader's vision (change) and the nation's permanent interests (continuity).